While their Western Conference competitors engineered seismic deals that altered the NBA landscape — trading for Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler and De’Aaron Fox — the Houston Rockets remained at a relative standstill as Thursday’s NBA trade deadline passed.

The Houston Rockets reportedly could be key players leading up to Thursday's NBA trade deadline even if they don't land a big-name player. According to

The Rockets are acquiring their 2028 second-round draft pick from Atlanta in exchange for taking on the salary of veteran Hawks center Cody Zeller.

Former Indiana men’s basketball superstar forward Cody Zeller was traded to the Houston Rockets on Thursday afternoon, according to ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania. The Atlanta Hawks also sent a 2028 second-round pick to the Rockets in the deal.

Within the final hour of the NBA Trade deadline, the Houston Rockets have made another move. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Rockets have acquired big man Cody Zeller from the Atlanta Hawks.

The Houston Rockets were rumored to be contemplating making a major move at the trade deadline this year, but they have largely added to the edges of their team. That continued with a trade made right before the buzzer sounded,